Exciting leadership opportunity to join an Australian-based technology company on a global mission to revolutionise the field of chromatography and proteomics.

About Us

IonOpticks is an innovative company currently revolutionising chromatography and medical research following the successful commercialisation of its novel chromatography columns. Established in 2017, our technology has rapidly enabled us to be the global leader in the manufacture of columns for LC-MS applications. Our growing list of products have now been adopted by leading mass spectrometry laboratories in the pharmaceutical, academic and industry sectors worldwide and we are now seeking to expand our research and development team further as we scale the business.

Does this sound like you?

We’re looking for an experienced Product Director with deep scientific expertise.

As a company that manufactures precision scientific products, we have a firm focus on developing new and innovative products whilst maintaining high standards of quality and performance. This leadership role is a great opportunity for someone who loves leading a team undertaking dynamic research and product development.

We are a passionate team looking for a like-minded, self-motivated, investigative scientist to join our rapidly growing team through an exciting period of growth and be part of our success story.

About the role

• Based in a newly established facility in inner city Melbourne, Australia, in this key new role you will be responsible for leading the Product Development team to successfully execute new product projects and product improvements for IonOpticks. Your deep industry knowledge, strong leadership skills and project management skills will be utilised to drive commercial success by ensuring projects align with approved timelines, budgets, deliverables and strategic business objectives.
• You will leverage your industry expertise when you work with stakeholders to refine product scope and requirements as you work closely with cross-functional teams to manage risks and facilitate collaboration between departments, ensuring the successful execution of the go-to market strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Product Development team to deliver projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to agreed project parameters, milestones and go-to-market strategies.
• Provide support in defining product scope, requirements and business objectives for each product.
• Develop clear product roadmaps and development plans.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, particularly scientists, engineers and production leadership, as well as sales, marketing and customer service focused team members, to drive alignment and coordinated execution.
• Lead support provided to Production from the Product Development team by acting as a subject matter expert on manufacturing processes and equipment operation.
• Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively address project roadblocks with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Work with finance and leadership to manage project budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
• Ensure that all R&D activities comply with relevant industry regulatory requirements, best practices, and quality standards.
• Continuously enhance project management methodologies, tools, and best practices to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Create and own a reporting structure to provide regular project updates to senior leadership, highlighting progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
• Lead, mentor and manage on a day-to-day basis the Australian team of product managers and R&D scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Ensure compliance with safety, testing, quality and development processes in accordance with the IonOpticks Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring team members also do the same.

Key selection criteria

• Deep scientific knowledge, ideally with experience in the use of liquid chromatography in the context of LC-MS.
• 7+ years of experience in product management, project management, or R&D program leadership, ideally within the life sciences or biotech industry.
• Strong understanding of product development cycles, including early-stage research, detailed product design and development, and transfer to manufacturing.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and a track record of effectively managing and motivating teams (minimum 3 years experience in a hands-on supervisory/team lead role).
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, balancing competing priorities effectively.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks and their impact on product development.
• Proficiency in project management tools and Agile or Stage-Gate methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a results-oriented mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• A relevant masters or doctoral qualification, or equivalent, is preferred.

Why IonOpticks?

• Our rapidly growing team consists of high-achievers, focused on developing new technologies in response to global market demand.
• Our people are our priority. We are committed to supporting the ongoing personal and professional development of our team members.
• We take pride in our culture that supports diversity and flexible working arrangements to ensure our team members continue to love doing what they do best.

How and where to apply

Let us know you’re keen to join our team by applying and sharing your CV and cover letter (addressing the key selection criteria in the cover letter).

Employer questions